Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Posted on May 5, 2014 by 4evamaria

It’s that time of year again- Happy Cinco de Mayo everyone!

While this year the holiday sadly falls on a Monday, there’s no reason why all of us can’t interject a little celebration in to our routines! I had fun looking back at a Cinco de Mayo celebration in infamous Dolores Park that my girlfriends and I had last year. This particular day is distinct in my memory, because it also happened to be the day my dear friend Brooke announced to us over Facetime that she was expecting! I got especially squeaky over the news that I was going to get to be some little bean’s crazy aunt. It was a beautiful, but windy day, so we packed up a delicious picnic (courtesy of Trader Joe’s!) and headed over to the city. Somehow, I’m not exactly sure why, this park allows all kinds of behavior that would otherwise be frowned upon anywhere else in San Francisco. This “anything goes” mentality also makes it amazing for people watching, because suddenly, somehow, this park abides by the same laws as Las Vegas. Just make sure you don’t sit next to the group of nudists, and keep an eye out lest you get smacked in the face by a wayward hula hoop. Oh, and please use the public restrooms. That is the only time I’ve ever seen anyone be reprimanded by the police for their behavior there.

Cheers to a beautiful view!

The lovely ladies lunching.

Needless to say, we had a lot of fun…

This particular holiday also marks the creation of a signature cocktail, which was brought on by the discovery of decent white wine in a box. In honor of the holiday, we called it: Cinco de Wino. Yes, very creative. Now, if you’re a wine connoisseur, you’ll want to stop reading. If you don’t mind adding saccharine, artificial things to your beverages, you’ll probably enjoy this. It’s a sangria on-the-go!

Over ice, simply combine white wine, pink lemonade (we used instant, Crystal Light powder…) and a sparkling beverage of your choice. In this case, it was lemon flavored sparking water, but you could potentially substitute your favorite soda, or even a sparkling wine. The ratios depend entirely on your own preferences, so experiment away!

It’s the beginning of summer marked in a glass. Or, if you’re resourceful/environmentally friendly, in a reused Starbucks cup! We’ve created many iterations of this drink over the year, and it’s quite portable and delicious. Again, if you’re a purist, you could certainly make this a more “highbrow” cocktail. Just….eliminate the powered, concentrated ingredients and perhaps substitute limoncello? It’s really up to you. Now go and enjoy!

Happy Monday everyone!

EVA ♥

Gentlemen, We Need to Talk…

Posted on May 2, 2014 by 4evamaria

Sorry to start out on such a serious note, but there is an epidemic going around that I need to address before it gets any further.Somewhere, somehow, you’ve started to think that some of the things you’re doing are completely warranted. I am here to tell you, please stop. No one seriously enjoys this behavior. Unless you’re doing it for comic value, and then that’s a whole different story…

I was talking with a friend of mine the other day about her experiences with online dating. She, of course, had read my blog concerning the Tinder App (there’s a Part II to this story, but more on that later) and vented her equally discouraging experiences with dating sites like eHarmony and Match. The disturbing trend that seems to pervade all of the technology based dating methods seems to be the obvious posed pictures- pictures taken in an attempt to directly appeal to women. I’m not saying that women don’t fall prey to taking the same photos; it’s just the lengths that some men go to borders on friggin’ ridiculous.

Take, for example, the proverbial man holding the kitten. Ok, there is a chance that the kitten is, in fact, yours. Or perhaps you’re trying to tell us that you like animals, and spend time volunteering in shelter or some such drivel. The non-cynic in me would almost believe this. But, dear readers, it gets better…

Suddenly we’re looking at the next gentleman who has, for lack of a better expression, taken it up a notch: holding kitten, shirtless. This is, without a doubt, borderline creepy. It starts to get in to “serious weirdo” territory when you have taken said kitten outside, taken your shirt off, and sat on some stranger’s motorcycle. Because we all know that that is not yours.

I’m assuming men like this honestly think that books like this one are to be taken seriously. Ladies, we all know that this man

While adorable in print, would weird the living daylights out of us if encountered in real life. Let’s be honest, now.

This is not the way life is. It’s just not. Which is why you can purchase the book and have a giggle. This is not what we’re expecting you to be. (It’s nice if you like to vacuum, though. The vacuuming part is good.)

Gentlemen, what if women reciprocating this behavior? Would you find it immensely attractive if I stood outside your house in a cocktail dress and platform heels wielding a chainsaw? No, you would call the police. Just think before you post a ridiculous photo, that’s all I’m asking. Don’t even get me started on the “Tigers of Tinder” craze. Google that phrase, I dare you! It’s the most absurd thing I’ve ever encountered in actual life. It’s as if the men of Tinder unanimously decided that kittens were for girls, so the decided to cuddle tigers instead, because that’s so much more manly.

STOP. IT.

Us ladies, we don’t ask for much, really. Take a shower, wear shoes that match each other, and brush your teeth regularly. I feel like a speak for a lot of people when I say being yourself, in your own environment, is so much more attractive. Try smiling too. It really helps.

And some of you need some help, really.

….

Have a good weekend everyone!

Love,

EVA♥

Instant Staycation

Posted on April 29, 2014 by 4evamaria

Hi everyone!

There’s something about certain foods and behaviors that I associate with being on vacation. The connection I often fail to make is the fact that one does not necessarily have to be directly on some tropical beach to get their hands on a mai tai or fresh pineapple. You also don’t need to be even remotely on vacation to forgo pants for a dress, wear less makeup, and bust out a fabulous fake tan. Now, I’m lucky enough to live 2 minutes from the nearest beach, so I really have no excuse. This, I decided to have a little “staycation” of my own. Inspired by this delicious looking recipe on Refinery29, I made a dash to my local Trader Joe’s the minute they opened. I armed myself with pineapple, strawberries, some coconut milk, and chia seeds before running home. Until recently, I found chopping up an entire pineapple a daunting task, but it’s really quite easy and requires little skill. Simply twist and pull off the “stalk,” and cut along the top, bottom, and lengthwise until your pineapple resembles, well…a pineapple. Pair some cold pineapple hunks with some fresh coffee, go out on your porch (if you have one) and enjoy the sunshine. It’s one of the best breakfasts ever. While I was feeling ambitious today, I also whipped up some chia seed pudding, which could not have been easier. You literally need only two or three ingredients:

Mix 1 cup coconut milk, 1/4 cup chia seeds, and a little something sweet. I love the flavor you get with Orgeat, but you could also use plain old sugar, agave, or honey. Let the mixture sit for a few hours so the seeds can absorb the liquid, and voilà! You have pudding. It’s magic, and good for you!

I chopped up some strawberries to add on top of the finished pudding, with some pineapple on the side, of course. In future, I’ll be sure to make this in the evenings, so I can enjoy it first thing in the morning.

To improve your staycation experience, I recommend bringing a little bit of that vacation atmosphere to your home. I’m a fan of Slatkin and Co.’s Coconut Water scented candle. It’s a non-offensive summer scent that’s not too overpowering. Throw a little sea salt spray in your hair (I love the below version from Lush) and maybe a little Hawaiian Tropic and you’re good to go! Should you be in the position to get a little sun, do so safely! Wear sunscreen at all times, even when trying to get some color. I love the Maui Babe Browning Lotion for this, but only for short stretches of time. An all-over burn is never a good look, and we don’t want to look like a used handbag in our old age. Last but not least, if you’re looking for a quintessential summer fragrance, check out Bobbi Brown’s Beach. It smells just like it sounds: the perfect combination of sunscreen, salt, and jasmine- very light and clean.

Vacation is a state of mind, really. I use it as a mental reset- a way of pulling myself out of the more banal aspects of my routine. There’s no reason you can’t take that sense of calm with you when you leave. While finding time to relax may not be the easiest thing sometimes, it’s such an essential part of life. At the very least, take advantage of that sunshine and eat something delicious. You sort of owe it to yourself.

EVA ♥

Storytime

Posted on April 28, 2014 by 4evamaria

Hello all!

I must say…I had great ambitions for today. Long-winded things I wanted to write, a ballet class I wanted to attend, and, at the very least dishes that I needed to wash. Yeah, none of that is happening at the moment. I did, however, manage to get myself out of bed despite the feeling that my right eyeball might explode. Too graphic? Perhaps. In other words, if you turned up the volume on the morning talk show I usually enjoy watching, I would divulge any government secrets I might have. Ouch.

Mind-numbing headache aside, I’m feeling nostalgic and in an effort to keep things lighthearted, I’d like to tell the story behind my the picture on my blog’s banner (above). Things looked rather plain on Watch Me Juggle without it, but the moment I put it up, I got questions: “Wait…you’re not juggling in the picture?” No dear readers, I am not literally juggling, but let me explain.

…..

Last summer, I flew to Hawaii with two of my dear friends. Both seasoned travelers and former airline employees, they helped me navigate our standby flights from Oakland to L.A. continuing on to Oahu. Midway through our connecting flight, Rachel turned to me and confessed that all the flights to Hawaii are not just full, they’re overbooked. Even better, she and Jessie are about 15 people ahead on the stand-by list. Whereas I, unaffiliated with any airline, am on the bottom; making the likelihood of getting on the flight of our choosing slim to none. I had a better chance of crawling in to the wheel well than getting on the plane. We met Jessie in LAX, who exclaimed “At least we’re not stuck in Bangladesh!” I laughed, until she explained that she has, in fact, been stuck at the airport in Bangladesh. By default, LAX is beyond luxurious. Looking back, we had as pleasant of a layover as could be expected: dinner, some time with family, and an early morning dash back to the airport in the same clothes we arrived in. I would have, undoubtedly, been not as calm had I been traveling with anyone else. Having said that, I had to make a concerted effort not to accost other fliers on the standby list ahead of me in an attempt to better my chances of getting on the desired flight. I had a vacation to get on with, after all. Against the odds, I was twelfth on the list for a plane with three open seats left, and I somehow ended up with a ticket. Sure, I ran at the gate attendant like a fugitive escaping the country disguised in a little girl party dress, but I was on! I reveled in my budget-conscious travel skills next to a family that instead chose to celebrate their vacation with rum and cokes before 8am. I, not to be outdone, managed to get my hands on a mimosa (because that’s how classy adults drink in the mornings).

Ok, you get it, I went to Hawaii. What about the photo? Well, while in awe of the dayglo palm trees and tropical weather, what astonished me the most was the water. As we made the winding trek from the Honolulu airport to the North Shore I couldn’t stop talking about the water and the beaches along the highway. They were so clear, so blue. Even the air there smelled different. Then, Rachel asked the question: “If I stopped the car, would you get in?”

“What…?”

“If I stopped the car, right now, would you get in the water?”

Of course I would. I can’t say I didn’t second-guess myself as soon as she pulled the car over. The lava rocks did look awfully precarious, but I scrambled down them, crab-like, managing to catch the edge of my dress on one as two local fisherman a few feet away looked on in amusement. I almost felt the need to give a disclaimer, but I guess they could tell that the pale girl in the polka dot dress was out of place. Standing in the thigh high surf, my dress wet, I pretended I was all alone, just for a second. It was easy to do. With my friends waiting for me in the car, I spun around a few times in triumph, my hands over my head, as if I’d flown all the way there of my own volition. As I get older, I hope that becomes the kind of thing I do more and more. Namely, whatever I want, not giving a damn of what other people think. I might not really be able to juggle, but who cares? I can try anyway.

EVA♥

A Day in Pictures

Posted on April 25, 2014 by 4evamaria

Hello everyone!

Our bulletin board. Filled with letters and drawings from students.

Waiting for the glue to dry on my shoes. Rather tedious.
This blurry photo is generally indicative of how I feel at the moment.

Today was rather eventful. (In a good way, of course) Aside from sitting down for a delicious breakfast this morning, I’ve spent my full day in dance studios. Don’t get me wrong, this is absolutely no cause for complaint.

Recently, I came across a post on Facebook announcing that Smuin Ballet would be having an open rehearsal to kickoff Bay Area Dance Week. Seeing as half of the DAP family dances with Smuin, there was no way that we would miss it, and took advantage of the opportunity to surprise them. It was fantastic to see the dancers up close, and to get a behind-the-scenes preview of their spring program, featuring Michael Smuin’s “Dances with Gershwin” and a world premiere from Val Caniparoli. Little did we know, we also made an appearance on Smuin Ballet’s instagram account, complete with a candid shot of the lovely Miss Erin yanking on her shoe. Funny enough, a former student of mine recognized us in the shot, and sent us a screen capture: “I see you!” We clearly look thrilled, but I assure you, it’s a look of concentration.

Following a rain-soaked dash back to the Dance Arts studio, the director, Micheala, and I decided to rally with some cups of coffee and…sitting. Despite the dreary weather, I made good progress with choreography though not without a headache. I’m finding it increasingly difficult to keep dances straight, as they so often want to blend themselves together in my memory. I’m luckily that ballet attracts such bright girls- I rely on them more than ever as we get closer to our show. Plan B is that they run in a circle until I can get the movement sorted in my head. (Only kidding.) In all seriousness, you don’t know pressure until you’ve stood in room with 25 pre-teens staring at you, waiting for your next move.

Have a good weekend everyone!

EVA♥

Getting Lost

Posted on April 24, 2014 by 4evamaria

Hello everyone.

I can’t decide whether or not today feels like the middle of the week or the very end of it. It’s somehow conveniently in between.

An odd phenomenon seems have happened to me recently, and I’m excited to share. When I first moved back to the Bay Area, my friend Rachel and I bonded over our love of exploring new places. She, unlike I, could keep a cool head while navigating unknown territories. We used my (now outdated) GPS, even Mapquested the location of unfamiliar restaurants, bars, and music venues. I, for some reason, would always make a wrong turn somewhere and start to panic. I could only continue on after making a complete circle and returning to where I went awry. Going off our decided course sent me in to a proverbial tailspin; San Francisco, being the land of the one way street, can be incredibly frustrating to navigate at times, which didn’t help. One of my favorite memories to revisit happened to stem from one of these instances. We had decided to go out dancing, and, in a moment of over-confidence, I entered the incorrect street address: instead of 11th street I punched in 11th avenue. We ended up somewhere near Japantown, outside someone’s personal residence wondering where the entrance was. Rachel, however, would circle about, turn right and left wherever she felt like, going wherever her nose took her. In time, we would end up exactly where we intended.

Today, I wandered. I parked my car, albeit in an area I know relatively well, and ran a few errands. I had a leisurely cup of coffee and just wandered around with absolutely no regard to where I was or where I was going. I took in the people and the architecture, and visited places I had never been before- just because I could. It’s moments like these that remind me of why I enjoy living in the Bay Area so much. I can, essentially, disappear among the rows of houses and people. People who I’d like to think are wandering about, just like me.

EVA♥

So this is what everyone is doing now, huh?

Posted on April 22, 2014 by 4evamaria

Happy Earth Day everyone!

Apologies for the terribly verbose title. (Newsflash: “Verbose” is one of my new favorite words. I use it often, and it amuses me.) Today, I wanted to write about a little phenomenon that seems to be on the upswing in my life right now. Despite, being 26-years-young, I still feel like a teenager, and yes, when my friends tell me they’re getting married or having a baby, I have a moment of slight panic before I realize this is completely socially acceptable. Are we even old enough to be doing this on our own?! Legally, yes. Socially, yes. But, I have to say, it feels a little strange.

First off, let me start with a disclaimer: I love my married friends. I’m so happy that they’re happy. It makes me feel positive about human relationships in general. And given that I love kids so much, am ecstatic whenever I get the “Baby’s On the Way!” announcement. It means I get a little buddy to play with that I can hand back when I’m done. I get to be the “Cool Aunt.”

But, let’s be honest, I’m closer to being a real life Karen Walker than wearing the big poofy dress. I am more than okay with that. Proud would actually be a better description. “Instead of ‘single’ as a relationship status, I prefer ‘independently owned and operated.'”

http://willandgraceforever.tumblr.com

“Look everyone! Juice boxes!”

Now, I know that I’m not the only one that feels this way, just visit my favorite snarky blogger at #MyFriendsAreMarried. I also enjoy commiserating with my girlfriends every once in a while. Although things may feel a bit strange, it’s important that you go through life with a sense of humor, or else you’re just setting yourself up for failure. Change is a guarantee, and while my life may be all about me at the moment, it won’t necessarily be like that forever. So, if anything, I find myself taking advantage of the circumstances. Go ahead! Make fun of yourself. Be friends with the kids. Go to a concert in the middle of the week and don’t apologize. Buy shoes instead of groceries for a week. Who cares?!

Just be sure to call me so we can gossip about it afterwards.

Love,

EVA♥

Things I Wish I Knew About in College

Posted on April 21, 2014 by 4evamaria

Hello everyone!

I hope I’m finding you well on yet-another-Monday.

What’s with the random collage, you ask?

Well, today I wanted to write about a few things that I have discovered in my post-grad years that I wish I had known about in college. I’m convinced my quality of life, while pretty good, would have been exponentially improved with these everyday additions.

1. Lululemon

Now, my identity as a college student was primarily “The Dance Major.” Being a part of such a rigorous program and having multiple dance classes daily, I always found myself dashing off to my academic classes in my dance clothes. I would sit down, sweaty and red-faced in the lecture halls with my hair in a bun, in some sort of leotard-pink-tights-sweatpants-tank top combination. Slap on some Ugg boots and you had an outfit that had most people thinking that I had just run straight from my bed to my seat in class. Lovely. Long story short, I wish I had had the means to discover Lululemon earlier. Now, I know they’ve had a bit of a bad rap as of late, but the many Lululemon pieces I own have undoubtedly withstood the test of time. I’ve had the same little jacket for about 5 years now, wear it sometimes multiple times a week, and it’s still in amazing condition. Even when I’m not feeling my best, throwing on a couple of pieces makes me feel instantly put together. I can’t say how much money I spent amassing cheaper activewear in college, but had I known that investing in what I wore to class everyday would have made such a huge difference in my demeanor, I would have done it in a heartbeat!

2. Dry Shampoo

Dry shampoo, without a doubt, is my new must-have product. I hate washing my hair everyday. Not only is it time-consuming, but the consistent blowdrying and styling inflicts some serious damage. Besides, who wants to get out of bed an entire hour earlier than usual just to wash their hair? Not me. To top it off, I have the lovely kind of hair that deflates overnight, even when it’s freshly washed. With dry shampoo (Batiste is my favorite, bonus points for the amazing scents in comes in) all you need to do is spray, run your fingers through your hair and go. It instantly mattifies and gives your hair volume. I’ve even used it on freshly washed hair for a little extra ‘oomph.’ I may have a slight addiction. There are worse things.

3. Target

Ah, Target. Possibly one of my favorite post-grad discoveries. Granted, Santa Barbara did not have a Target readily accessible when I was a student there, but my roommates and I did make the hour-long roadtrip on the weekends simply to shop at the nearest one in Ventura. It’s my one-stop-shop, and I go to it for almost everything. It’s well organized and affordable, and you can find almost anything you might need. Need bandaids, cereal, and a cute new bikini? Target. What about vitamins, the latest bestseller, and a Philip Lim-inspired dress? Target has all those things. Now that they’ve even added a grocery department, I’m able to pick up that milk I keep forgetting to buy as well…

4. Decent Beer

I realize this seems counter-intuitive given that the collegiate drink of choice seems to be beer. You will find beer everywhere, no matter what college campus you are on. The one problem that you will often encounter is that it’s horrible, horrible beer. Beer so bad, so cheap, I don’t think it can even legally be sold under the label “Beer.” Oh, Natty Ice. It’s perhaps the equivalent of drinking Arbor Mist and claiming to be a wine connoisseur. No. Just no. It wasn’t until I was in Seattle for my dear friend Brooke’s wedding that I discovered the more complex subtleties of beer, the varieties, the flavors, the unorthodox ingredients. Yes, some beers are absolutely disgusting, but others are rich and amazing. I enjoy drinking them. Who knew?

…

The list could go on, yet these are undoubtedly the things I find myself coming back to again and again. I could also include swiffer sweepers, bronzer, glass water bottles, and kombucha. And I’m sure next week I’ll have even more additions. Post-grad life can be not so fun at times, but these things are odd concrete proof that things just keep getting better. Or something…

Love,

EVA♥

What Are You Guys Wearing…?

Posted on April 18, 2014 by 4evamaria

Happy Friday everyone!

Today, I want to write about a question that I’m perhaps infamous for. A question without which I cannot hope to get dressed for any occasion: “What are you wearing?”

To roughly translate, this essentially means:

“Oh dear god, I have no idea what to wear. Please tell me what is cute/appropriate/what I look good in so I don’t show up dressed like a total idiot.”

If I’m going anywhere with you, you will most likely get a frantic text or phone call an hour before with this question. There’s so much to choose from and coordinate: shoes, to bags, to lipstick to layers. Is it in season? Is this outdated? Can I even walk in these heels?! Honestly, I live in fear of being the elephant in the room. The girl in the ball gown when everyone else is in jeans. I know that some of you live for these moments and I admire you, but I am not that kind of gal. I’m the kind of gal who likes her fashion choices to be like her perfume: subtle. I want you to get close to me and notice all the details. On most occasions, I do not want you to see my outfit coming at you a mile away. That’s just my style.

Now, given that I prefer simple clothing choices does not mean they are not carefully thought out. Quite frankly, I’m getting to the point where I run around in circles questioning myself as to whether or not my outfit of choice looks effortless enough. The irony is that I’ve put more thought and effort into my jeans and t-shirt combo than is sane. It’s somewhat exhausting living like this, I’ll admit it. Which is where you come in. You, my friend, will be my voice of reason without entirely knowing it. Please tell me that a strapless dress is too much for a Monday. Tell me that you’re wearing something entirely reasonable and that it’s okay to wear my favorite sandals two days in a row. What I’m wearing somehow has a huge impact on how I feel on any given occasion. Caitlin Moran, author of How to Be a Woman, astutely said: “When a woman says, ‘I have nothing to wear!’, what she really means is, ‘There’s nothing here for who I’m supposed to be today.” So true.

In conclusion, this is my disclaimer to you, dear reader. I am apologizing in advance. Take pity on me. There will be many moments where I will look at what you are wearing and feel the pang of obligation to change. Do not let me. I’m wearing what I am for a reason, and it’s my fear of being judged by other people that’s making me in to this seemingly high-maintenance person. There. I said it. My friends are my friends because I can rely on them for a good dose of grounded reality and assurance. They’re great people, with fantastic style, and I can always count on them to answer all my questions.

Have a good weekend everyone.

Love,

EVA♥

In Defense of the Bridge-and-Tunnel…

Posted on April 17, 2014 by 4evamaria

Hello everyone!

Today, I’m going to write about a little something that has irked me for quite a while now.

When I tell people I meet in San Francisco that I’m from the East Bay, I get one of the following observant reactions:

“Oh! Where? Alameda? Yeah…I don’t know where that is.”

“Wow…that’s, like, really far away.”

“So you’re from Oakland. Do you own a gun/have you ever been shot?”

or my very favorite: the eye roll.

Alright, disdainful sir and/or madame, I’m going to take this opportunity to set a few things straight. Yes, I live in the East Bay.

It’s fine you don’t know where Alameda is. I will enlighten you and tell you that it’s a nice small town and I would like for it to stay that way. I can also guarantee you that it took less time for me to drive or even take public transportation from Alameda than it did for you to cross town in your overpriced Uber. This means that I can always get to work on time, whereas you, will consistently be 15 minutes behind me. I don’t know how this is even possible, but I assure you it is. (I’m sure you have many qualms with the Muni system as I do, but that’s an entirely different subject.) For further reading, I suggest you check out The Bold Italic’s article here. Additionally, unlike many of you San Francisco residents, the “Bridge-and-Tunnel” crowd, as you have so flatteringly dubbed us, have been here before you, and will continue to live here long after you’re gone. It’s safe to say that the majority of San Francisco residents will eventually move away when it’s time to “settle down;” even better, many of you that now scoff at me will end up in or around my town, buying property, and sending your kids to the same schools I went to. Funny how that works.

Now, I’m not here to say that I wouldn’t absolutely love living in San Francisco proper. For reference, I did write this post a few months back. But, it’s something that you get quickly and easily disenchanted with. First off, I can’t seem to justify paying three times what I do in rent for an apartment within a 15 mile radius of the one I currently live in (and love). A friend once wisely told me: why live in the city and go to the resort, when you can live in the resort and go to the city? On an entirely different note, despite its awful reputation, I can say for a fact that I have never seen anyone in Oakland defecate in public. Unfortunately, I cannot say the same for San Francisco. Personally, I’ve felt more worried about my personal safety in San Francisco than in Oakland on many an occasion, believe it or not. I won’t disagree that Oakland has quite the questionable reputation, and local media doesn’t do much to help. I spoke to someone recently that was quite convinced that living in Oakland was like living in a war-zone. According to the news, it’s bedlam over here: us shooting at the police, the police shooting at us. If you’ve never been to Oakland for leisure, you would think that the media’s portrayal of us is, hands down, an accurate one. I’m here to say that Oakland is home to some wonderful gems: beautiful neighborhoods, amazing views, fantastic restaurants, and some of my favorite farmer’s markets. Funny thing is, the “across-the-bridge” prejudice often goes both ways. Many people I know are afraid to leave the familiar bubble they live in for the crowded unknown of San Francisco. It’s smelly, it’s loud, people are rude, the driving is scary, it’s so far away…you name it, I’ve heard the excuse. Everyone, please do me a favor and let go of your preconceived ideas of why you need to stay exactly where you are. Stop lumping everyone you meet in one category or another and start taking things at face value. You’ll be all the better for it. I promise.

EVA♥